Where can I find a tiler I can trust? Should I use websites like Checkatrade, Mybuilder, MyJobQuote, RatedPeople etc?

My amswer might surprise you, but I wouldn't look on those websites anymore, and I will tell you why.

Im seeing less and less of the quality tilers I know on those rate and review websites. Why? Well, those websites cost alot of money to be on, with varying membership levels, some charge £60 to £250 per month...yes, per MONTH!!   Those costs have to go on quotes or be absorbed by the trades person.

Some sites operate on a 'fee per lead' basis, so when the home owner posts a job for 'kitchen floor tiling', a small kitchen floor job that would quote at £350, costs the trader say £20 to buy the details of. Guess where that cost has to go, on your price.

So why do some trades people use them?

Simple answer, because they need to. There can be valid reasons for this, they've worked on site or for a company for years and decided to go out on their own, or moved areas and lsot their previous client base. Some will just find it an easy way to get work and absorb the cost or pass it on. 

But at least these sites mean we can see reviews?

In theory yes, reality, not so much. Say you had someone come in and do bad work, its bad enough dealing with that and the fall out. Ive been to see so many bad jobs where the tiler has been asked to leave, when I ask where they found the person (and its a review site) and then ask if they have since left a bad review, the answer is usually "No, I didnt want the hassel".

Are Hunter Tiling on rating websites?

No, we've been around for years and simply dont need to be. There was a time many years ago when I was on one particular site having moved home across counties. It was £60 a month when I started, a representative from the 'site' interviewed me and actually visited three of my previous jobs. Within 2 years the cost was £180, and you could sign up over the phone without even having insurance. I also had whatsapp messages offing "30 reviews on XXXXXXXXXXX for £250", at which point I decided these sites served no genuine purpose anymore.

So where should I find reputable tradespeople then?

Friends, relatives, neighbours is a great way. If your planning an extension, and neighbours 5 doors down had one last year, dont be shy, go say hello and ask for recommendations. Otherwise Tile shops. Now tile shops will often have a wall of business cards for you to take, but ask who they recommend and that will be narrowed down to a very few the shop have known a long time for good work.